PHOTOS: Those who died in 2013

As the new year approaches, we remember the contributions of those who are no longer with us. From pioneering journalists to long-serving election officials to some of the biggest world leaders in modern history, here’s a look at some of the most notable D.C. figures who passed away this year:

Ed Koch, former mayor of New York City, age 88 (Dec. 12, 1924-Feb. 1, 2013)

TheformerDemocraticNewYorkmayorwasknown as much forhisbigpersonality asfor hispolicies,oftenasking“How’mIdoin’?”topeopleonthestreet.Koch’sthree-termtenureranfrom1978to1989.Helaunchedafailedgubernatorialbidin1982andlosthisreelectionforanunprecedentedfourthtermtoDavidDinkinsintheDemocraticprimary.Kochcontinuedtoweighinonpoliticsafterheleftoffice,endorsingcandidatesinbothparties,includingGeorgeW.Bushin2004andHillaryClintonin2008.